A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-2305.2, relating to affordable housing; assisted living facilities.
HB1021 would add a new section to Virginia law allowing localities that already have an affordable housing program to require affordable rental units in certain assisted living facility developments. Specifically, if a project seeks a special exception or special use permit, the locality could, by ordinance, require that some portion of the development include affordable rental units. The bill applies only to assisted living facilities licensed under Virginia law and only in jurisdictions that have adopted one of the existing affordable housing program authorities.
The measure is a land-use and housing policy bill aimed at expanding affordable housing opportunities through the local permitting process. It does not itself mandate a statewide affordable housing requirement, but instead gives qualifying local governments express authority to impose affordability conditions on assisted living facility projects when they are reviewed under special exception or special use permit procedures.
HB1021 would amend the Virginia Code by creating § 15.2-2305.2, expanding local zoning and permitting authority for qualifying localities. It would affect developers of assisted living facilities, local planning and zoning bodies, and potentially operators seeking licensure under § 63.2-1701, by making affordable rental unit requirements a possible condition of approval in certain jurisdictions. The bill would not change state licensing standards for assisted living facilities directly, but it would add a local land-use tool that could influence project design, costs, and approval timelines.
The available context suggests the bill was received as a policy proposal rather than a highly contentious measure. It was referred to committee and later continued to the next session by voice vote, which generally indicates limited recorded opposition or at least no formal roll-call division. Overall, the sentiment appears neutral to moderately supportive, with the bill advancing procedurally but not reaching final enactment in the available record.
The main point of potential contention is the balance between affordable housing goals and the regulatory burden on assisted living facility development. Supporters would likely view the bill as a way to leverage new development to produce affordable units in communities with existing housing programs, while opponents may argue that requiring affordable units could increase costs, complicate financing, or discourage construction of needed senior care facilities. Another possible issue is local discretion: the bill authorizes, but does not require, localities to impose these conditions, so debate may center on whether such authority should be expanded and how broadly it should be used.